HuMa Creative Successfully Organizes HUE MATSURI 2023: A Distinctive Vietnam-Japan Cultural Exchange

VĂN HÓA

Mai Châu

3/7/2025

HUE MATSURI 2023 was a significant event in fostering cultural exchange between Japan and Vietnam through comics. More than just showcasing Manga, the event provided an opportunity to promote and elevate the status of Vietnamese comics on the global stage. Held in Hue over two days (September 9-10, 2023), HUE MATSURI 2023 promised to deliver unique cultural values and contribute to the development of Hue City.

The Manga Capital - HUE MATSURI 2023 was held in front of the Quoc Tu Giam Monument in the Hue Imperial City, featuring 20 vibrant booths. As one of the grand events of the Hue Festival series, commemorating the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Japan diplomatic relations, it provided a unique cultural exchange space. The event beautifully blended Hue’s imperial heritage with Japanese manga culture, catering specifically to the manga community and attracting a large audience.

HUE MATSURI 2023 created a distinctive cultural atmosphere with a grand scale, leaving a strong impression on attendees. This success was a result of the harmonious collaboration between the dedicated organizing team of MH Raroma and the invaluable support of renowned sponsors: VIETNAM AIRLINES, AEON MALL HUE, CLIP PAINT STUDIO, MAI LINH CORPORATION, MSV, and TRANSINO VIETNAM.

Domestic and international partners, including well-known brands with significant influence, established highly engaging booths at HUE MATSURI 2023. The Kim Dong Publishing House booth, offering a variety of comic book titles, and the WOWO By TAGGER design model booth, became must-visit spots for manga and anime enthusiasts. These partners also provided exclusive promotions and attractive gifts only available at the event. Model collectors were particularly thrilled by the LUCY’S RAKUEN booth. Additionally, interactive experiences at the Clip Paint Studio booth and limited-edition gift giveaways from the TRANSINO cosmetics brand were among the event’s hottest attractions. Young attendees, especially manga and anime fans, enjoyed testing their comic-drawing skills at the NSG GROUP & LINE GAKKO booth.

HUE MATSURI 2023 not only provided a creative and immersive experience but also served as an educational and networking platform through special talk sessions and book signings with distinguished Vietnamese and Japanese manga authors. Featured guests included Hirayanagi, a representative of Culture Weaver GK and a prominent figure in Japan’s manga industry, as well as Le Vu Kien Duy, the creator of famous comic series such as "Truyện ma Sau 6 Giờ" and "Andy the Bard". These sessions attracted great interest from aspiring artists and culture enthusiasts, offering deep insights into creativity and the behind-the-scenes aspects of the billion-dollar manga industry.

Photo 1: HUE MATSURI 2023 takes place in Hue city with the support of many prestigious sponsors (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)

Photo 2: Mr. Nguyen Phuoc Hai Trung, Deputy Director of Hue Monuments Conservation Center and CEO of Murano Group, Mr. Murano Koji and guests attended the Opening Ceremony (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)

Photo 3: Exciting activities at the event (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)

Photo 4: Talkshows sharing useful knowledge about the comic market (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)

A major highlight of HUE MATSURI 2023 was MANGANIAC NIGHT, featuring performances by both Vietnamese and Japanese artists: Pile (Japan), singer-songwriter Thai Trinh (Vietnam), singer Lena (Vietnam), and Redlight Band (Vietnam). Students from Quoc Hoc Hue High School and Hue University of Foreign Languages also energized the event with performances rivaling those of professional artists. These talented students showcased the beauty of Vietnamese culture through various performances, including dance, singing, and traditional musical instrument displays. Their enthusiasm for cultural exchange was further expressed through elaborate and impressive cosplay activities.

Photo 5: MANGANIAC Night with cultural exchange singing and cosplay activities (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)

Photo 6: Singer Pile from Japan has a blast on stage (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)

As the organizing unit of HUE MATSURI 2023, HuMa Creative takes pride in fostering Vietnam-Japan cultural integration through a shared passion for and creativity in comics. Young participants gained deeper exposure to manga culture and market insights through unique interactive activities. This experience serves as a source of inspiration, passion, and knowledge, offering young artists, readers, and comic fans in Vietnam valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. It lays a solid foundation for realizing the mission of bringing Vietnamese comic artistry to the international stage, establishing a strong identity for Vietnamese comics in the hearts of global readers.

For more details about HUE MATSURI 2023, visit: HUE MATSURI 2023

Photo 7: HUE MATSURI 2023 and the huge response of participants (Source: HUE MASURI 2023)